Platform Elevators

Platform Elevators: Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Decision

Platform lifts are being heavily promoted in Vietnam. They require no pit, no machine room, and can be installed in any house. In the mini elevator segment for townhouses, platform lifts are one of the most sought-after solutions. It sounds very appealing. But upon closer examination, you'll encounter a series of questions that few articles answer directly.

Are raised floors as safe as elevator cabins? Why do they both call themselves "raised floors" but the price ranges from 200 million to 2 billion VND? And most importantly: which type is truly suitable for Vietnamese townhouses?

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of: what a platform lift is, the available drive technologies, actual pricing, and how to choose the right type for your needs.

What is a Platform Elevator? How is it different from a Cabin Elevator?

Platform lifts are a type of elevator that uses a flat platform to move up and down instead of a traditional enclosed cabin. Unlike enclosed cabin home elevators , the platform slides along guide rails inside the elevator shaft, surrounded by an aluminum frame and glass walls.

Identifying features of a platform lift:

• Unlike traditional elevators, it doesn't have a cabin enclosed on all four sides.

• The lifting platform is mounted directly on a drive system (screw drive, cable drive, or hydraulic).

• Surrounded by tempered glass walls + aluminum/steel frame

• Safety sensors are mounted on the lift platform instead of the cabin.

• The pit is very shallow (0 to 10 cm) or not needed at all.

The core difference compared to cabin elevators:

Important point: EN 81-41 is the standard for platform lifts, which is lower than EN 81-20/50 (the standard for passenger elevators). This doesn't mean platform lifts are unsafe, but you need to understand the different levels of protection offered by the two standards.

3 Current Elevator Drive Technologies

Not all platform lifts are the same. The drive technology determines speed, noise level, operating costs, and lifespan.

1. Screw Drive

This is the most common technology in screw-driven elevators , used by European brands such as Cibes, Kalea, and Stannah.

Principle: An electric motor rotates the screw shaft, causing the nut attached to the lifting platform to move up and down along the shaft.

Advantage:

• Self-locking: the raised platform cannot fall freely in the event of a power outage.

• No pit required.

• Simple structure

Disadvantages:

• The speed is very slow: a maximum of 0.15 m/s (9 m/minute), taking 40 to 60 seconds to go from the first floor to the fourth floor.

• Mechanical noise: the screw shaft makes noise when rotating, especially after 3 to 5 years of use.

• Wear and tear: Screws and nuts wear down over time, requiring regular lubrication and replacement.

• High import costs: Cibes, Kalea from 800 million to 2 billion VND.

2. Hydraulics

Principle: The oil pump creates pressure to push the piston, lifting the floor.

Advantage:

• Smooth, minimal vibration.

• heavy load

Disadvantages:

• Oil leaks occur over time.

• High electricity consumption (oil pump operates continuously during lifting).

• Slow speed, dependent on oil pressure.

• Complex piping system requirements

3. Flat Belt Cable Drive

This is the latest technology, applying flat cable elevators to cabinless platform designs, combining the advantages of traditional cable traction with a compact form factor.

Principle: A PMSM gearless motor rotates a pulley, pulling a flat belt to lift the platform. The platform slides on guide rails and is balanced by a counterweight.

Advantage:

• Faster than screw conveyors: up to 24 m/min (0.4 m/s), 2.5 times faster.

• Flat cable requires no lubrication (self-lubricating polyurethane sheath), no oil leakage.

• Gearless motors: quiet, less vibration, and 30 to 40% more energy efficient.

• Flat cable lifespan: 40,000 to 60,000 hours (2 to 3 times longer than round cable)

Disadvantages:

• There are few suppliers in Vietnam (the technology is still new).

• A counterweight is needed (this takes up extra space in the elevator shaft).

Price List for Elevators and Platform Lifts in Vietnam

Why is there such a large price difference?

Cibes raised decks are priced between 1 and 2 billion VND due to: a Swedish brand, international shipping costs, luxurious showrooms, and strong marketing. Technically, Cibes uses screw technology with a maximum speed of 0.15 m/s, equivalent to or significantly faster than flat cable solutions which cost only 1/4 to 1/5 of the price.

Actual Cost: Detailed Quotation for Flat Cable Platform Elevators

To give you a clearer picture, here is a breakdown of the actual costs for a 3-story flat cable platform elevator with a 300kg load capacity, installed in Ho Chi Minh City:

Key component details to note:

• Motor: Kinetec, made in Japan, 3.0 kW (optional upgrade to Nidec Imperial USA +10 million VND, 10-year warranty)

• Inverter: Kinetec MT70, 32-bit CAN bus, 5.5 kW power, supports 220V single-phase power (Nidec upgrade option +10 million VND, 10-year warranty)

• Flat cable: 40mm wide, maximum load 1,770N/mm, made in South Korea.

• Guide rails: Marazzy-Italia, model T78/B

• Glass partition: 10mm tempered glass, transparent.

• Landing doors: Aluminum frame + glass, manual hinges with self-closing mechanism (optional upgrade to automatic 2-panel doors +20 million VND/set)

Warranty: 24 months for the entire system. Post-warranty maintenance cost: 6 million VND/year (500,000 VND/month).

Compare the total costs over 15 years.

Difference: Flat cable solutions save 57 to 72% on total cost of ownership over 15 years compared to imported screw-type lifting platforms.

7 Safety Features on Hoang Sa Viet Flat Cable Platform Elevators

Because the raised platform does not have an enclosed cabin, the safety system needs to be designed differently. Here are the 7 layers of protection on the Hoang Sa Viet (Nidec) flat cable raised platform product:

1. Electronic anti-fall braking system (Safe02D):

When the speed exceeds the permitted limit, the controller immediately activates the electronic brake, clamping the lifting platform and cutting off all electrical equipment. This design is specifically for pitless elevators.

2. Automated Rescue (ARD) (HpMont):

In the event of a power outage, phase loss, inverter failure, or sensor malfunction, the system automatically raises the platform to the nearest floor, opens the doors, and then stops completely. No external intervention is required.

3. Touch sensor (Nidec Elevator):

Two sensors detect obstructions between the lift platform and the glass wall. The lift platform stops immediately when the sensor is activated.

4. Hydraulic damping buffer (SK-OIL-150):

Installed at the bottom of the pit, the springs combined with hydraulic shock absorbers protect users in the worst-case scenario.

5. Three-way Intercom System (SK-IT-3Way):

Contact the outside world in case of an emergency. Maintain lighting and ventilation for those inside.

6. Pit bottom electrical box:

Emergency stop button and lighting assist technicians during maintenance.

7. Counterweight (450kg):

The 450kg steel counterweight system helps the motor operate smoothly, reduces the load on the flat cable, and extends the lifespan of the entire drive system.

Who Should Choose a Platform Elevator?

Raised floors are best suited for:

• Townhouses with 3 to 5 floors, limited elevator shaft area (from 800mm x 1,000mm)

• The building is already constructed, so a deep pit cannot be dug (similar to pitless elevator systems ).

• Families with elderly or disabled members who need to use wheelchairs.

• Budget under 400 million VND, but still want a real elevator (not a cargo lift).

Raised floors are not suitable for:

• For buildings with more than 6 floors (elevator cabins should be used).

• The family needs absolute soundproofing (a sealed cabin provides better sound insulation).

• Requires high speed (above 0.5 m/s)

How to Choose the Right Platform Elevator

If you decide to choose a platform lift, please check the following 5 things:

1. Drive technology: Worm gear (slow, noisy after a few years) or flat cable (faster, quieter, less maintenance)? This is a crucial factor determining the long-term user experience.

2. Component origin: Request a detailed list: motor manufacturer, inverter manufacturer, cable origin, rail manufacturer. Don't just hear "imported" without knowing what is being imported.

3. Safety features: Does it have anti-fall brakes? Automatic rescue in case of power failure? Touch sensors? Intercom communication? If any of these four features are missing, reconsider.

4. Post-warranty costs: Ask clearly about the price of scheduled maintenance and replacement parts. Exclusive imported components = higher costs and longer waiting times.

5. Upgradeability: Is it possible to switch from manual to automatic doors, change the motor, add more floors, etc., in the future? How much would it cost?

Elevator Price List for House Renovations

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nhập lại Phát hành báo giá

Do you need specific advice for your home? Hoang Sa Viet offers free on-site surveys and measurements, and provides detailed quotes within 24 hours. With Nidec flat cable raised floor systems, you receive a 24-month warranty, and the option to upgrade to a Nidec Imperial USA motor comes with a 10-year warranty.

Special Offer: This month, Hoang Sa Viet is offering a free upgrade package for its Bronze Drum Patterned Cabin (worth 10,000,000 VND) to the first 10 customers who finalize their contract , or receive 5,000,000 VND in cash for each successful referral of a relative or friend to have an elevator installed at Hoang Sa Viet.

• View product details: Hoang Sa Viet Platform Elevator

• Hotline: 0707.025.789

• Email: hungpham@hoangsaviet.com

HEADQUARTERS - FACTORY

• HCMC: 184/20A Le Dinh Can Street, Tan Tao Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hanoi: TN3-28 Thien Nga Street, Vinhome Co Loa, Hanoi
• Da Nang: No. 4 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Block 4, Dien Ban Ward
• Aluminum Factory: Nguyen Huu Tri - Ben Luc, Long An
• Factory: E5/13 The Lu Street, Le Minh Xuan Ward, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hanoi Warehouse: No. 229, Van Tri Street, Van Noi Ward, Dong Anh District

LIST OF BRANCHES

• Da Nang: No. 4 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Block 4, Dien Ban Ward
• Hung Yen: Vinhomes Ocean Park 2, Nghia Tru, Van Giang
• Hai Phong: 1A/580 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Hai An Ward, Hai Phong City
• Phu Quoc: DT45, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
• Gia Lai: 41D Mac Thi Buoi Street - Pleiku
• Kontum: 95 Huynh Dang Tho Street - Kon Tum City
• Daklak-Phu Yen: No. 10 E Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, Buon Ma Thuot Ward

Price List for Mini Elevators at Hoang Sa Viet

REFERENCE PRICE	ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
Backpack Elevator (200kg) Reference price: 250,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Asia, Ymelift, GHT, Hoang Sa Viet)	Advantages: Inexpensive, quick installation, and portable. Suitable for micro-houses or renovated homes where conventional elevators cannot be installed. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 0.8m² (800 x 1000mm) Disadvantages: No elevator shaft. Does not fully meet the criteria of an elevator according to Vietnamese standard TCVN. Advice from Hoang Sa Viet: Customers should only build a maximum of 2 floors for this product line. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Home Elevator with Platform Lift Reference price: 341,000,000 VND Representative suppliers: (Cibes, Kalea, Hoang Sa Viet, Huy Hoang)	Advantages: Space-saving, aesthetically pleasing, and bright. Suitable for small houses or renovated houses where traditional elevators cannot be installed. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 0.85m² (850 x 1000mm) Disadvantages: High price, slow speed: 15m/minute. Serves a maximum of 5 floors. No cabin or cabin door. Has not met inspection standards (has an inspection sticker).
Elevator with Manual Door Opening Reference price: 338,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Cibes, Huy Hoang, Hoang Sa Viet, TPec, Gamalift, GHT)	Advantages: Low cost, more competition from multiple providers. Suitable for small houses or house renovations. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 0.9m² (900 x 1000mm) Disadvantage: Manually operated landing doors don't look modern.
Automatic Door Elevator Reference price: 380,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Cibes, Huy Hoang, Hoang Sa Viet, TPec, Gamalift, GHT)	Advantages: Optimized space. Suitable for small houses or renovated houses. Optimized cabin space for hinged doors. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 1.2m² (1000 x 1200mm). Automatic, luxurious and high-class door. Disadvantage: Takes up a lot of space in the elevator hallway.
200kg Hydraulic Elevator Reference price: 375,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Cibes, Kalea, Hoang Sa Viet, Funas)	Advantages: Hydraulic technology saves installation space. The lifting platform occupies up to 85% of the elevator shaft area. This product is suitable for families with small living spaces that lack the room for traditional elevators. Disadvantages: Hydraulic elevators are 50% slower than cable-driven elevators. They have limited capacity to transport large numbers of passengers. The maximum height of a hydraulic elevator is 13m (4 floors).
200kg Screw Machine Reference price: 650,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Cibes, Kalea, Hoang Sa, Funas)	Advantages: Luxurious, classy, ​​unique. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 1.44m² (1200 x 1200mm) Disadvantages: High price, not widely available, high cost of replacement parts.

Note: This price list applies to smaller elevator models. Larger models will have higher prices. Depending on the size of the elevator, choosing the appropriate elevator type and door opening style will help save costs...